FXR

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear hormone receptor critically involved in the regulation of bile acid homeostasis. It is now recognized that bile acids serve as the natural ligands for FXR. Once activated, FXR in turn induces the expression of another nuclear hormone receptor, small heterodimer partner (SHP).

FXR, which is highly expressed in the liver, intestine, kidney, adrenal glands, and adipose tissue, is a master regulator of the synthesis and pleiotropic actions of endogenous bile acids (BAs).